Vitamin C, with oily and blemish-prone skin in mind
Want the benefits of a vitamin C serum, but worry about adding another rich layer to oily skin? SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF is an oil-free antioxidant serum developed with oiliness, blemishes and uneven texture in mind.
The 30 mL formula pairs 15% pure vitamin C with silymarin, ferulic acid and salicylic acid. It makes sense to compare this formula when your goals include a brighter-looking complexion and less noticeable oiliness, rather than choosing an antioxidant only by its vitamin C percentage.
A few helpful things to know about this product:
- Silymarin gives the formula its name: This antioxidant comes from milk thistle. SkinCeuticals selected it as part of a formula focused on oil oxidation and blemish-prone skin.
- Oil-free does not mean you can skip moisturizer: Your skin can be oily and still need hydration. Choose a moisturizer that feels comfortable instead of removing that step automatically.
- Count the salicylic acid already in your routine: If you use an acid cleanser, toner, exfoliating pads or a blemish treatment, tell us. You may not need all of them alongside this serum.
- Keep sunscreen as a separate step: Antioxidants complement a morning routine. They do not provide the SPF protection of a sunscreen.
Notable skin care ingredients:
15% L-ascorbic acid: Pure vitamin C supplies antioxidant support and helps improve the appearance of dullness and fine lines.
0.5% silymarin: A milk-thistle-derived antioxidant included in the formula’s approach to oiliness and oil oxidation.
0.5% ferulic acid: An antioxidant that complements vitamin C in the formula.
0.5% salicylic acid: A beta-hydroxy acid that helps exfoliate and refine the appearance of congested pores.
These are selected ingredients, not the complete ingredient list. Check your packaging for the current formula, especially if you have an ingredient allergy.
How to use SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF Serum
- In the morning after cleansing and toning, apply 4 to 5 drops to a dry face, neck and chest.
- Gently press into the skin before other skincare products. Avoid the eye area.
- Follow with your other routine steps and broad-spectrum sunscreen.
If your skin becomes persistently sore, red or flaky, pause and ask us for guidance. If breakouts are painful, scarring or difficult to control, skincare alone may not be the right plan.
Clinical studies: what the supplier reports
In the manufacturer’s eight-week, single-centre US study, 55 women aged 25 to 50 used Silymarin CF once daily alongside sunscreen. SkinCeuticals reports average changes of 27% fewer blemishes, 38% improvement in texture and 25% improvement in clarity. These findings describe the study group; results vary and are not a promise of medical acne treatment.
Read more about SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF Serum on the SkinCeuticals website here.
Before and after: results shared by SkinCeuticals
These manufacturer-supplied photographs show study participants before use and after 8 weeks. They are not photos of BC Laser patients or a guarantee of your result.
Note: you may also be interested in
- SkinCeuticals Simply Clean for a gel cleanser to start the routine.
- SkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Daily Moisturizer for a lightweight moisturizer focused on clearer-looking tone.
- SkinCeuticals Clear Daily Soothing UV Defense SPF 50 for daily broad-spectrum SPF 50.
Shop with us: shipping and pickup options
- Free Canada-wide shipping on orders over $75. Otherwise, shipping is a flat $6.
- Free clinic pickup: Suite #101, 13805 104th Avenue, Surrey, BC. We will email or call when your order is ready. Please wait for that confirmation before coming in.
- All prices are in Canadian dollars. See the Additional information tab for a quick reference to the product details.
Need a hand choosing? Get in touch with us here.
Frequently asked questions
Click a question to read the answer.
How is Silymarin CF different from C E Ferulic?
Silymarin CF is oil-free and includes silymarin and salicylic acid, with oily and blemish-prone skin in mind. C E Ferulic pairs vitamin C with vitamin E and ferulic acid. Your skin type and main concerns help guide the choice.
Can I use it with an acid toner?
Possibly, but more exfoliation is not automatically better. Tell us which toner and other active products you use so we can help avoid an irritating combination.
Do I apply Silymarin CF in the morning or at night?
The supplier directs morning use on dry skin after cleansing and toning, before other skincare and sunscreen.
Will it cure acne?
No cure is promised. It is a cosmetic antioxidant serum designed around oiliness, blemishes and skin appearance. Persistent or scarring acne deserves medical advice.
How can I verify that BC Laser is an authorized SkinCeuticals retailer?
Find us in the official SkinCeuticals store locator under Dermapure Surrey Central – (BC Laser). Search Surrey to see our listing. You can order from us for Canada-wide shipping or free pickup at our Surrey clinic.
